I have a DAC (Cambridge Audio's DACMagic 100) with 2.3V output. I drive the TABOO mkIII with this and I was thinking of using a ZSTAGE in between the two, to function like a preamp. However, from various discussions on the Forum, I understand that any source with an output around 2V would limit the use of ZSTAGE as it would leave very little space before clipping. Would you agree?

Should I look for a preamp like CSP3 instead of ZSTAGE? I really want it simple, so I am so much inclined towards the ZSTAGE! :)

Thanks for the quick response. I try to keep the signal chain as simple as possible and I assume the ZSTAGE is simpler than the CSP3 which has many more controls than the earlier versions. Also, CSP3 might make me itchy to try different tubes; more than the ZSTAGE! But yeah, it is likely that I will end up with a CSP3!

I don't recall the details, it has been so long, but when I changed from a standard output voltage DAC to my DAC with 2.2-2.3v out, I had some earlier clipping issues with the Zstage. I think I had to turn down the software player volume by 2 db or so to solve early clipping. I tried some attenuator plug thingies that were supposed to be quite transparent, and could hear them too much to use them. But I could not hear sound issues with the software volume at those attenuation levels. I think I was using Pure Music then.

Since then, using a CSP3 in my main system now, I have grown into using software EQ broadly for fine-tuning system/room synergy. Some bumps in some frequency areas are pretty high energy, and can cause clipping (particularly with certain recordings), in this case, the software player/computer clipping, so I regularly run my player down about 5 db these days. The software is so good, I can't hear this except as attenuation.

Point being, if you are using a software player, or a DAC with transparent volume, and if the voltage is a problem with your system, you can probably solve clipping with the Zstage....that is, if this is still a potential issue.

Why not call Steve and ask. May be different now. Or maybe he can build (or mod) one with a different resistor value or something like that if necessary. Also, not sure what cap is being used now, but mine had Auricaps and Jupiters were a notable improvement for me....more complete, more spacious, more detailed, and very natural sounding.

"The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not moved with the concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, deceptions, and spoils;The motions of his spirit are dull as night and his affections dark as Hell. Let no such man be trusted." William Shakespeare

I can't comment on the differences between the pre and the ZSTAGE, but I understand the purist approach. I built my system in this regard.I use a ZSTAGE in my system and I like what it does for me.Phono to ZP3 to ZSTAGE to TORII JR. simple.

It actually does sound pretty good and I have not had much clipping problem unless I crack the volume of the ZSTAGE all the way up. But I recently ordered a Copland DAC 215 which is a DAC + tube preamp which might replace the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 and ZTAGE.

I will comment on how the Copland sounds in the system once I receive and start using it...

Thanks for the update. I had not heard of the Copland, but from a quick search it appears to be really nice. It'll be interesting to hear how it compares to the Cambridge/ZSTAGE, especially given the $1k spread.